Michigan Forensic Examiners, in collaboration with Underground Railroad and Child & Family Services, has opened a new sexual assault exam room at 1230 South Washington in Downtown Saginaw. The new room is part of an effort to create community locations for individuals to seek care following a sexual assault. As an alternative to emergency rooms, community locations provide a more victim-centered experience. This includes increased privacy, shorter wait times, and one-on-one care at no cost to the victim. All services provided at a community location are free of charge.
“Our goal is to eliminate barriers and make it easier for victims of sexual assault to receive care during a very vulnerable time,” says Lindsey Bulgrien, CEO of Michigan Forensic Examiners. “We are working to create more locations throughout Saginaw County where exams can be performed by specially trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners.”
A generous donation by a corporate partner, Women’s OBGYN, funded new furnishings for the exam room. In addition to an exam table, their contribution helped to purchase chairs for support persons, counter space, a sink, hospital gowns, and more.
On average, 60-70 survivors access the Saginaw County exam rooms each year. To initiate services, a victim, family member, or friend should call the 24/7 Sexual Assault Crisis Line at 989-790-9118. Staff will then coordinate the appropriate care location where a trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) and Victim Advocate will meet the victim.
Michigan Forensic Examiners was founded in March 2023 and has served over 30 victims of sexual assault so far this year. Its mission is to offer sexual assault victims continuous trauma-informed care by Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs).
The Sexual Assault Center of Child and Family Services provides comprehensive care to victims and their loved ones affected by sexual violence. The Sexual Assault Center is a collaborating partner who will be offering trauma-informed, compassionate advocacy services through the duration of the medical-forensic exam. Our advocates will ensure that all victims have knowledge and resources related to services that can support them in the aftermath of the victimization experienced.
Underground Railroad is the only provider of emergency shelter and services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking in Saginaw County. Over 4000 Saginaw County families access its services each year.
